What is Happiness?
This elusive concept seems to be rather poorly defined for how much effort we tend to exert trying to attain it.
I will give you my definition of happiness.
Happiness is what arises when suffering is not present. It is the state of being that we are born into. It is the state of being that exists when we are not consciously suffering. It is the state of being that we are meant to be in.
If being happy is what we are meant to experience, why are so many of us struggling with it?
There are many reasons for this, but to put it simply, we haven’t had enough practice.
Happiness is something that arises when we allow it.
When we strive for it remains elusive, impossible to grasp. Interesting, huh? Let me tell you why it is this way.
When we are content with life and therefore no longer struggling happiness arises on it’s own. If we are trying to “be happy”, by definition we can not be happy.
I will say this again. If we are trying to be happy we CAN NOT be happy!
Why?? Because the act of trying is what keeps us from being happy.
So, if we can’t “become” happy, how are you going to teach us to be happy??
Learning To Cultivate Happiness
The way that I have discovered to experience more happiness isn’t to try harder (as we’ve seen that does not work), but rather to focus our energy on removing the things that are keeping happiness from arising on it’s own.
Some examples of things in this category:
- Environmental stress
- Limiting beliefs
- Unhealthy behavioral patterns
- Negative relationships
As we rid ourselves of these damaging articles of our life, the light of happiness will begin to shine through the clouds of our psyche more and more often.
Over time, we will find that happiness is a state that we can exist in for longer and longer periods. As we continue to let go of the struggle for achievement we will be rewarded with more and more joy.
You Can Do It
Try out this practice on your own. Meditation is a great way to rid ourselves of limiting beliefs and negative behavioral patterns. If you feel something is holding you back, make a conscious effort to behave in a manner that contradicts that belief. If you feel you can’t do it on your own, reach out to a friend or hire a professional to help you. The path may take time but you will be guided each step of the way. As you continue to practice you will find your life begins to blossom and overflow with happiness, love and joy.
Check Out Some Of My Other Posts Here
Neuro-Linguistic Programming... What is it and how can it help me improve my life
On Death and Dying... What to Do When It Is Not Happening to Us
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